Sanford woman charged with husband's murder

A local woman was charged with murder after police said she stabbed her husband Wednesday afternoon.

Izora Fields Murchison, 41, of the 700 block of Lawrence Street, was charged with first-degree murder after her husband, Samuel Murchison, 45, of the same address, was found by Sanford Police with a stab wound in the chest at 6:12 p.m., according to a police department release.

Other family members live at the home, but no one else was at the residence at the time of the incident, said Sgt. Harold Layton.

Samuel died at their home, and Izora was taken into custody without incident, according to the release.

In the past, police officers have been called to the residence in response to assaults, Layton said, but further information about the number of police visits and the nature of the alleged assaults was not available. Neither Izora nor Samuel have previous criminal charges, according to the North Carolina Department of Corrections database.

Izora and Samuel's son, Samuel Murchison Jr., 20, said his parents had been arguing in recent days. His mother, he said, is an amazing person.

"She is a sweet woman," Murchison said. "Everyone in town knows her and knows how wonderful she is with her kids."

Murchison indicated his mother had acted in self defense.

Izora was a contract employee at Central Carolina Hospital, according to CCH Director of Public Relations Crystal Hickman, and all vendors are required to conduct a background check on their employees prior to placement at the hospital.

"We are shocked and saddened by this incident," Hickman said in a written statement. "The safety and security of our patients and visitors is our top priority, and our hospital will cooperate with any investigation if our assistance is needed."